After
thirteen years as one of Stamford Bridge's favourite sons, Frank Lampard
stepped out in a Manchester City shirt for the first time as his new
side faced Arsenal at the Emirates.
Chelsea
fans will no doubt still be getting used to the fact their all-time top
goalscorer is plying his trade for a title rival and unfortunately for
Lampard, the feeling seems mutual.
The
36-year-old stuggled to keep up with the pace of Arsenal's bustling
midfielders during his first bit of action since being hauled of at half
time by Jose Mourinho against Norwich in May.
Lampard, as
always, was calm and considered in possession as he ticked things along
next Fernandinho in the heart of City's midfielder.
However,
the Chelsea legend's main issue came when Arsenal were
counter-attacking. It was here that Lampard looked like a man still
trying to catch his breath as he made several fouls before being shown a
yellow card for a late lunge on Aaron Ramsey.
Lampard
spent the majority of his Chelsea career on the left side of the
central midfield position, but didn't seem as comfortable with such a
role on Saturday, often finding himself too far out wide.
The former
Blues star did almost earn a delightful assist after he passed through
the legs of Laurent Koscielny and onto David Silva, but the ball was cut
out and it was to be the highlight of a disappointing 45 minutes for
Lampard.
Just
as Mourinho brought the veteran off as Chelsea struggled against
Norwich last season, City boss Manuel Pellegrini made the cut-throat
decision that Lampard's City debut wouldn't extend the half-time break.
With
City ahead after a first half goal from Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri
replaced Lampard in a change that may well signal the end of his time in
the Premier League.
0 Comment:
Post a Comment